The iPad is truly a portable computing device. The tablet design is more suitable than clam shell notebook for working in the field where there isn’t a place to set a device down. The iPad is a light user friendly tablet that gets work done. For some, the iPad may replace their notebook.
Besides mail, a portable device must allow primary tasks for getting work done: connect to the office and create documents. Connecting to another computer turns the portable computer into a portal to computers that do special tasks or using a more powerful machine.
VPN and Remote Desktop
iPad RPD to Windows
Many work places require logging into web servers hidden from the public using a virtual private network (VPN,) or connecting to machines using remote desktop (RDP.) At my office, we have servers that require checking or updating running applications while I’m away from the office. The iPad supports VPN which is found in the network settings. Using a third-party RDP app, I can access the servers using my iPad to check or make changes to running operations. I could also do work as if I’m on a Windows OS machine. A person could also RDP to their own desktop while away from the office. The experience depends on the quality of the RDP app. Heavy work may be best reserved for the office, but RDP apps allow getting something done while on the road.
Search the app store for “RDP” and you’ll find several. Some will help you setup your Windows OS desktop if that’s all you need to do.
iWork
iWork Pages Screen Shot
Writing documents, working spreadsheets, and creating presentations is a big part of daily work. The iWork set of apps: Pages, Numbers, and Keynote may be purchased individually for the iPad. Pages is a word processor with all the basics including inserting pictures. I find editing documents quick and easy, including my blog post from earlier this week. Export documents, including Word format, to your PC using iTunes or a wireless service like MobileMe. The touch keyboard is large enough in the horizontal direction for regular typing. Some may prefer connecting a bluetooth keyboard for extensive typing. Not all the features of a full word processor are here, but the limited bells-and-whistles app is refreshing and allows the user to focus on getting work done. iWork for iPad proves that the device is capable of content creation.
Some apps support file sharing through iTunes. Connect iPad, click on the Apps tab, and click on the app that has your file. Apps may support other means of transferring files such as wireless connection with your PC or to sharing services.
Working on iPad
- VPN and RDP to a Windows server or desktop while away
- Write stories, post blogs, or create presentations
- Sketch ideas or create art using Autodesk Sketchpad Pro
- Deliver presentations using VGA connector kit
- Photo editing with Masque (alternatives?)
- Mail, calendar, notes, social media, view videos, browse web
- Voice dictation
Nice to See
- Connect bar code reader (or cam) for counting inventory
- Annotations in iBooks (Coming soon)
Video conferencing might be nice, but all phones should already be doing this.
I purchased my iPad primarily to read books and do lightweight work, but I’m already finding myself doing more work than I expected. It will be interesting to see what kind of powerful apps arrive in the future. The iPad marks a transition. It shows us that we can get work done on a lightweight device with 10+ hours of battery life. The user-friendly interface and apps force designers to think more about bringing the user closer to their data. The future of portable computing will be interesting.
Are you getting work done on the iPad? What kind of apps would help you get more work done?
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What Others Are Saying
- Shotton traded Macbook for iPad for a day in “iPad at Work“
- “Who really needs an iPad? Workers weigh in“
- “iPad, the destroyer: 19 things it will kill” at RoughlyDrafted Magazine
- Ars Technica “Can you do actual work on it?” (Bottom of page)